Title shot raises Vera-Rua stakes

Brandon Vera's record in his last four fights is decidedly unimpressive: two losses, another loss that turned into a no-contest because of his opponent's failed drug test and an uninspired victory over a journeyman.

Despite all that, Vera could well emerge Saturday as the next challenger for the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight title.

That was the stunning announcement by UFC president Dana White on Monday during a conference call to promote the nationally televised UFC on Fox 4 card at Staples Center in Los Angeles, where Vera will fight ex-champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the main event.

The winner of that bout will be matched against whomever emerges with the title from September's UFC 151 bout between reigning champion Jon Jones and Dan Henderson.

Henderson decisioned Rua in November in what was widely considered the best fight of 2011, and a rematch for the belt would be intriguing. Jones is an overwhelming favorite to retain the title, however, and Jones-Rua would be a tougher sell.

Jones took the belt from Rua in early 2011, with Rua offering little resistance before succumbing to a third-round knockout. Also, Jones made quick work of Vera in a 2010 fight, throwing him to the ground before a series of elbows broke Vera's cheek and stopped him in the first round.

Rua said he has more videotape on Jones now and could find a better way to approach a rematch. Vera, meanwhile, blames himself for his poor performance against Jones.

"I thought he was a young punk and I didn't pay him no mind," Vera said. "I didn't really train that hard and the outcome showed itself. I got what I deserved. I promise he (would) have my full and undivided attention this time."

Jones appeared as surprised as anyone that Rua or Vera could get another shot at him, taking to Twitter to post "Scratching my head" when informed of the development.

Rua, who is better than a 3-1 favorite Saturday, could be validated as a top contender if he beats Vera impressively, though he hasn't fought since losing to Henderson. Rua has a proven track record, having defeated some of the biggest names in the sport.

Vera as a potential title challenger is a bit more farfetched because he has failed to live up to the enormous hype attached to his UFC debut in 2005.

"Brandon is a guy who burst onto the scene and was running through guys left and right," White said. "I don't know what happened, but it's about opportunities. He accepted this opportunity to fight one of the greatest fighters of this decade and we'll see what he does with it."

Vera, 34, said just getting the chance to headline Saturday's card was a blessing. Now that a title shot is at stake, he's ecstatic. "This is almost like winning the lottery twice," he said.

■ MIR-CORMIER - Former UFC champion Frank Mir will be Daniel Cormier's final opponent in Strikeforce before the organization officially disbands its heavyweight division.

Mir remains under UFC contract, but the Las Vegan has agreed to fight the former Olympic wrestler and Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner in the special attraction bout, which likely will occur in October or November.

■ DIAZ TO APPEAL - Former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz plans to challenge his one-year suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission through legal channels and return to fighting as soon as possible, according to a statement released by his manager, Cesar Gracie.

Diaz announced his retirement in February immediately after losing a UFC interim welterweight title bout to Carlos Condit, then was handed the suspension after a postfight drug screening revealed marijuana metabolites in his system.

Gracie indicated in his statement on Graciefighter.com that Diaz would seek a fight against UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva as soon as he is reinstated.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj.